Periodization for powerlifting?

[Grappler76]

New to "powerlifting". After 3 months of going heavy on deadlift, squat and bench, my body said "enough". Last few workouts I got totally winded, and a little sick, even from just a few sets of dumbbell presses.

Been doing 5-6reps and 2min breaks on the heavy lifts. How should I mix it up ?

[dennis]

3 months is about the right time for any work out plan.I change mine up roughly every three months.Why dont you go to 8-10 reps 3-4 sets and add new exercises and change up your muscle pairings for the next three months..sounds like a bit of cardio might also help.This will give the slower developing tendons and ligaments time to catch up to the newer stronger pl muscles you built.Then you could go back to 5x5 adding heavy rows etc..